Cardamom-Scented Sweet Rice Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant dessert featuring creamy rice cooked with whole cardamom pods and condensed milk. This indian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers basmati rice, whole milk, condensed milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup rinsed basmati rice, 2 cups whole milk, and 4 crushed cardamom pods. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  2. Step 2: Cook uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is very tender and mixture thickens to a porridge consistency.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup condensed milk, 3 tbsp sugar, and saffron milk mixture. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and pudding coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove cardamom pods, then transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with 2 tbsp slivered almonds per serving before cooling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardamom-Scented Sweet Rice Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cardamom-Scented Sweet Rice Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardamom-Scented Sweet Rice Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardamom-Scented Sweet Rice Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cardamom-Scented Sweet Rice Pudding?

Indian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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